Heyneke Meyer is relying on the leadership skills of Fourie du Preez to provide support to captain Victor Matfield.

While Matfield was the obvious choice to take over from the retired Anton Leonard, Meyer believes the Bok lock needs Du Preez around to make his life easier.

“You can’t expect Victor to play in every match,” Meyer told Beeld newspaper. “That will be too much to ask, which means that I will also have to rely on Fourie.

“Even though he is just 23, Fourie is not just a champion in his position, but also in the manner in which he can read match situations and take the right decision. Everything’s in his favour to become a great captain.”

Meyer also confirmed that former Western Transvaal hooker Jannie Putter, a sport psychologist, has joined the Bulls for the Super 14.

“I’ll still be responsible for motivating the squad, while it will be expected of Jannie to look after the players individually,” he said. “He will have to make sure the Bulls present and future leaders are developed properly.”

The Bulls kick off their Super 14 campaign against the Cheetahs on 10 February.